An Urban Experience
WSVA7-0091 NUTRITION
PREVALENCE, PERCEPTION AND RISK FACTORS OF CANINE OBESITY IN THAILAND
C. Tanrattana1
1Faculty of Veterinary Science - Chulalongkorn University, Department of Veterinry Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
Introduction
The proportion of obese dogs is increasing worldwide. It has become a topic of interest as it can impair quality of life and reduce longevity of dogs.
Objectives
To determine prevalence and risk factors of canine obesity in Thailand, misperception of owner on body shape of dogs and relationship between canine obesity and laboratory parameters.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed with dogs aged over 1 year regardless of breed, sex and health status from 6 regions of Thailand (n=2,401).
Results
WSVA7-0114 NUTRITION
MICROALGAE SCHIZOCHYTRIUM SP. AS A BIOAVAILABLE SOURCE OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID IN CATS
S. Yu1, K. Hadley2, E. Bailey2
1DSM Nutritional Products, Pet Nutrition, Parsippany, USA
2DSM Nutritional Lipids, Clinical Research, Columbia, USA
Introduction
Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are well recognized in humans and animals. The major source of DHA and EPA is from marine fish. Because of ever-increasing demand for marine fish by food and feed industries, the sustainability of marine fish becomes a concern. Dried microalgae Schizochytrium sp. is commercially available, contains high level of DHA, and is a sustainable source of DHA.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to investigate the bioavailability of DHA in the dried microalgae in cats.
Methods
Thirty-two healthy domestic short and longhaired cats, aged 1-10 year old, were stratified into four groups based on sex, 8 cats per group with equal number of males and females. They were randomly assigned to a commercial low DHA dry cat food toped with the dried microalgae (DHAgoldTM S17-B, DSM Nutritional Lipids, Columbia, MD, USA) at 0%, 0.7%, 2.11%, or 3.52% of the food. Cats were fed the test foods for 26 weeks based on their ME requirement. They were housed individually and had free access to tap water during the study. In week 26, blood samples were taken from the jugular vein with EDTA as anticoagulant for DHA measurement.
Results
DHA concentration in the plasma and red blood cell was positively correlated with dietary dried microalgae concentration (r = 0.659, p < 0.01; r = 0.821, p < 0.01, respectively) in a dose response fashion.
Conclusions
In conclusion, DHA in DHAgoldTM S17-B is bioavailable in cats.
42ND WORLD SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARY ASSOCIATION CONGRESS AND FECAVA 23RD EUROCONGRESS
758
Prevalence of canine obesity was 42.94%. Risk factors by multivariable analyses were age 3-8 years old (OR=1.98), neutering (OR=1.63), and having obese dogs in the same household (OR=2.37). A comparison of body shape evaluation by owners and veterinarian showed discrepancy with 18.5% of dog owners underestimated their dogs’ body shape. Risk factors of underestimation were age >8 years old (OR= 1.90) and neutering (OR= 1.26). Hematology and blood chemistry profile evaluation in healthy non-obese and obese dogs. Total cholesterol and triglyceride were higher in obese dogs (p<0.05).
Conclusions
This is the first report about prevalence of canine obesity in Thailand with high prevalence of obesity (42.94%). In addition, misperception of owner on evaluation of body conformation may lead to lack of concern and being an obstacle for weight control regimen. Some laboratory parameters may be used as a diagnostic tool to promote awareness of the owners. Canine obesity should be considered as a part of basic health program and client education is needed in order to have successful control of canine obesity.